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Woman found in flat was strangled
Police launch murder hunt after 29-year-old transgender sex worker’s body is discovered
A MURDER inquiry was under way last night (Wednesday) after tests revealed that a 29-year-old woman found dead in a Kentish Town flat had been strangled.
Destiny Lauren, a transgender woman, was found collapsed last Thursday in her home in Leighton Crescent by police officers.
Ms Lauren could not be resuscitated and detectives launched a murder inquiry on Friday after tests revealed suspected strangulation.
Forensic teams were continuing to search the top-floor, two-bedroom flat yesterday, seven days after the murder.
Neighbours said the front door had been taken for forensic analysis and the communal gardens of Leighton Crescent thoroughly searched, while detectives said they were “keeping an open mind” over the case. Both neighbours and police confirmed that Ms Lauren was a sex worker and saw clients at her flat.
There was a gap between Ms Lauren’s discovery and the launch of a murder inquiry. An inquest into her death opened at St Pancras Coroner’s Court on Thursday.
St Pancras Coroner Dr Andrew Reid was told that Ms Lauren had been found when her brother called police at 1.45am that morning.
Camden CID officers went to her flat and she was rushed to the Royal Free Hospital.
Officers said the death was being treated as “suspicious” – and the coroner adjourned the inquest for further tests.
It is understood that it was when post-mortem tests revealed a possible cause of death as “compression of the neck” that a murder inquiry began, led by Scotland Yard murder investigator Detective Chief Inspector Steven Lawrence.
“We are keeping an open mind regarding a motive for Destiny’s murder, and I appeal to anyone who has information that can assist this investigation to contact us,” said DCI Lawrence. “In particular, I would like to hear from anyone who was in the quiet residential area of Leighton Crescent on the evening of Wednesday, November 4. Did you see or hear anything suspicious? I would also like to hear from anyone who knew Destiny, who may have information that could be of value to the investigation.”
Destiny Lauren was well known and popular in the area, where she had lived as a child, according to neighbours. Her mother died in the same flat where Ms Lauren became a tenant.
Police are urging anyone with information to call 020 7321 9290 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. |
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Your comments:
DESTINY was my friend of many years. 'Transsexual', 'Prostitute' get good headlines. The truth is that she was a beautiful young lady.She was a kind, reflective and caring person who had suffered tragedy in her life and had become stronger and more compassionate for her experience. In adversity, she was courageous. In sorrow, she was brave, and in grief, she was hopeful.She needed a way to survive in a society that never accepted her. She had the courage to occasionally see men for a consideration, but at most, three per week. She never hurt anyone. If you were in trouble, she would always help. Please treat her as she deserves, 'transsexual' would have been hurtful for her. 'Prostitute' is petty snipping at a life which was so much more worth while. We are all the lesser for her passing. Please, some respect for my dear friend.
M. Senior
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